Seven candidates in state rep race in 16th Worcester District

WORCESTER — Six Democrats and a Republican returned nomination papers to the city clerk's office Monday to run for state representative in the 16th Worcester district.

By meeting the 5 p.m. deadline, the seven candidates cemented their place in the Aug. 13 primary, pending final inspection of their signatures by the secretary of state's office.

Joshua D. Meduna, assistant director of elections in the city clerk's office, said the seven candidates returned the required minimum of at least 150 signatures.

Carol Claros will be alone on the Republican ballot, while Khrystian E. King, Daniele F. Nanni, George Fox, Daniel Donahue, James M. O'Brien and Joshua Perro will battle for the Democratic nomination.

The Aug. 13 state primary will decide which Democrat will run against Ms. Claros; the special election will be held Sept. 10.

Mr. King, of 9 Victoria Ave., is a social worker for the Department of Children and Families, and has served as director of Crompton Park's summer basketball league for 20 years. He is also the head of the Massachusetts union for human service workers.

Mr. Perro, who lives on Minerva Street, is a member of the Worcester Public Library's board of directors and grew up in the Grafton Hill area, working at his family's business, Perro's Flowers.

Mr. Donahue, of Malmo Road, is assistant chief of staff for Mayor Joseph Petty. He grew up in Quinsigamond Village.

Mr. Nanni, a pharmacy buyer for Critical Care Systems of Shrewsbury, lives at 74 Commonwealth Ave. He graduated from Holy Name Junior Senior High School, and has a degree in history and sociology from Worcester State University.

Ms. Claros, of Delmont Avenue, is a single mother and nurse at Concord state prison. As the only Republican on the ballot, she has said she would end per diem payments for legislators who drive to the Statehouse.

Mr. O'Brien, who lives on Derby Street, has worked the past 15 years in human services management, and is also a licensed real estate sales agent with George Russell Realty. He has described himself as a moderate to conservative Democrat. He was a campaign manager for former state Rep. Guy W. Glodis, and helped run George Russell's successful bid for District 3 City Council.

Mr. Fox could not be reached for comment Tuesday night.

The seat, which consists of Precincts 1, 2, 4 and 5 in Ward 5; Ward 6; and Precincts 1 and 5 in Ward 8, was left vacant by the resignation in May of John P. Fresolo, who had served the district for 15 years. He stepped down after a House ethics investigation.